Gameday

The Minnesota Timberwolves have now stretched their season-worst losing streak to eight consecutive games. I suppose the good news is, that if we don't win another game all season long, it will only be a 14-game losing streak (last season ended on a 15-game skid).

With tonight's loss the Minnesota Timberwolves have been officially, mathematically eliminated from the playoffs. Not that that's any surprise. I'm sure half of you thought we were already out.

The Minnesota Timberwolves were without starters Luke Ridnour & Kevin Love. Ridnour continues to miss time with a severely sprained ankle. Kevin Love missed this one following that elbow to the temple in last night's loss to Denver. After spending the night in a Denver hospital, Love flew back to Minneapolis this evening, but was not with the team. He'll be examined by team doctors tomorrow. Wayne Ellington missed his second straight game with back spasms and Darko continues to remain out with his 'phantom hamstring injury'.

The TWolves were able to keep it close through three quarters. After three, the Clippers led by just five points; 73-68. The TWolves couldn't rally in the fourth quarter and were outscored 14-22 for an 82-95 final.

Minnesota has now lost 15 of their last 19 games. Becoming more and more likely each day that this season will painstakingly come to an end.

HOT: Caron Butler's three-ball. 5-for-8 on the night. He had 9 points in the third quarter alone (all on three-pointers). Definitely deflating to a defense when you've got a player raining threes like that.

NOT: Minnesota's 2nd half play. The TWolves opened the game so well. They led 48-47 at halftime. However, the Clippers took over in the second outscoring Minnesota 48-34.

MISC.: Beasley added 14pts off the bench, but did so on 6-of-15 shooting, he also grabbed a team-high 10 rebounds......Randolph's 6 defensive rebounds is a new season-high and his 9 rebounds ties a season-high......Barea had 10pts & 12 ast, but also turned the ball over 7 times and had to sit for extended time because of foul trouble (he was also hit in the lip and got 8 stitches during halftime)......Unfortunately, Williams had a great opportunity starting in place of Love, but delivered a 4-point, 5 rebound night on 1-of-7 shooting from the field......

Team Statistics

Minnesota

L.A. Clippers

39-91 (43%)12-31 (39%)5-10 (50%)45 (14)221152236113211 (10)95

KEY STATS: Minnesota's 17 turnovers for 24 Clipper points, L.A.'s 43% FG, 39% 3PT and Minnesota's inability to capitalize at the line (68% FT) are your keys for the TWolves loss. Anytime you turn the ball over that many times and are without your leading scorer, it's tough to grab a W.

UP NEXT: Saturday, April 14 vs. the Oklahoma City Thunder, at the Target Center, tipoff 7pmCT